Methamphetamine Contaminant Testing in Colorado
Health Risks of
Methamphetamine Residue
Exposure
Methamphetamine contamination doesn’t just happen
where manufacturing occurred – even a single instance of
methamphetamine use can deposit harmful residue into
walls, carpets, air ducts, drywall, and furnishings.
Health risks from residue exposure include:
Respiratory issues
Insomnia & sleep disturbances
Cognitive impairment & brain fog
Persistent cough & difficulty breathing
Weight loss
Throat, eye & skin irritation
Pro Tip: Carefully vet any visitors to your home. In a recent case, we were called after an overnight visitor smoked methamphetamine in an unsuspecting relative’s home. Our test results showed that contaminants had spread into multiple rooms and HVAC ducts from that single use.
Health Risks of Methamphetamine Residue Exposure
Methamphetamine contamination doesn’t just happen where manufacturing occurred – even a single instance of methamphetamine use can deposit harmful residue into walls, carpets, air ducts, drywall, and furnishings.
Health risks from residue exposure include:
Respiratory issues
Insomnia & sleep disturbances
Cognitive impairment & brain fog
Persistent cough & difficulty breathing
Weight loss
Throat, eye &
skin irritation
Pro Tip: Carefully vet any visitors to your home. In a recent case, we were called after an overnight visitor smoked methamphetamine in an unsuspecting relative’s home. Our test results showed that contaminants had spread into multiple rooms and HVAC ducts from that single use.
Methamphetamine Testing Process
1
Visual Assessment & Site Evaluation
2
Surface Sampling Using Wipe Tests
3
Laboratory Analysis & Determining Next Steps
Our accurate and fast methamphetamine testing will
keep your family and your property safe.
Common Misconceptions about Methamphetamine
Exposure
 “The home wasn’t used as a meth lab, so it’s not contaminated.”
|
FALSE | Contamination can occur even from a single instance of methamphetamine use. |
|
“If you can’t see it, it’s not there.”
|
FALSE | Meth residue is invisible, and contamination levels can be significant even without visible signs or smells. |
|
“New homes aren’t at risk.”
|
FALSE | If you’re buying a home – no matter its age or location – get it tested for methamphetamine contaminants. Even newly built homes can contain contamination. Workers or visitors may unintentionally introduce contamination during the build. |
|
“The home wasn’t used as a meth lab, so it’s not contaminated.”
|
FALSE | Contamination can occur even from a single instance of methamphetamine use. |
|
“If you can’t see it, it’s not there.”
|
FALSE | Meth residue is invisible, and contamination levels can be significant even without visible signs or smells. |
|
“New homes aren’t at risk.”
|
FALSE | If you’re buying a home – no matter its age or location – get it tested for methamphetamine contaminants. Even newly built homes can contain contamination. Workers or visitors may unintentionally introduce contamination during the build. |
Why Choose
M.A.R.S. Environmental?
Certified state-compliant methamphetamine testing
Accurate and comprehensive wipe testing results
Decades of experience in contaminant testing, mitigation support, and regulatory compliance
Clear, easy-to-read reports with detailed scopes of work for remediation
Coordination with remediation contractors
On-time, friendly techs who prioritize your family’s safety
Testing is fast. Remediation is extensive and
costly. Know before you buy.
What M.A.R.S. Environmental Clients Say
I highly recommend M.A.R.S. Environmental for testing and remediation work. They are extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and reliable. As a Realtor, my transactions often require their service and I have used them many times. They are my trusted experts!
Sherry C.
Boulder, CO.
Every basement remodel we complete we have M.A.R.S. Environmental test for Radon and mitigate when necessary. They are professional, clean, responsive and price competitive. I highly recommend M.A.R.S. Environmental.
Tyson R.
Boulder, CO.
Every basement remodel we complete we have M.A.R.S. Environmental test for Radon and mitigate when necessary. They are professional, clean, responsive and price competitive. I highly recommend M.A.R.S. Environmental.
Grant R.
Boulder, CO.
M.A.R.S. Environmental are truly the best. They are responsive, professional an amazing to work with. I would highly recommend Certified AIQ to everybody. You will not be disappointed working with this company.
Stephany O.
Boulder, CO.
Great experience working with the team here. We had a slightly tricky radon mitigation job (old house, many layers, etc.) and they were with us every step of the way.
Jeremiah E.
Boulder, CO.
We used M.A.R.S. Environmental for a complex radon mitigation issue in our historic house, built in 1892. They installed a unique mitigation system that is doing a fantastic job with a difficult basement. Highly recommend!
Donny M.
Boulder, CO.
Our house was in the heart of the Eaton Fire. It was left standing but smoke damaged. For four months, our insurer downplayed the health risks, offering to essentially wet wipe the walls and vacuum our bed after their own test found lead. They didn't address VOCs, SVOCs, heavy metals, though.
We knew that getting our own testing was the only way to push for a more thorough remediation. M.A.R.S came highly recommended by fire survivors in Colorado, also by local word of mouth, even by other industrial hygeniests and folks at United Policy Holders.
Jeanine fit us into one of the weekend trips she'd been doing to the Eaton Fire Scar this spring. And she tailored our tests to address our needs for our claim, and our financial limits. She asked for our prior test results so she could make sure she was only running tests we needed.
On the day, she showed up early. I was thrilled when she said we didn't need to enter the house. Also, her team wore protective gear. (For four months, everyone -- the insurance adjuster, other IH's, and others -- would enter the house casually, often with no masks or PPE, as if it were no big deal. I felt subtly peer-pressured to go in unmasked myself, to take and wash things, and now regret it.)
The results took a while, but the labs have been swamped, and M.A.R.S. was in touch. And when the results did come in, the level of detail and care with which Jeanine laid out her report was remarkable. And her explanations of results rigorously supported her recomendations. She included and referred to all the prior results. And she is up to date on current and emerging science and standards.
In many ways, the new results were bad news (the highest levels of Dioxins she'd seen in the area as well as Beryllium, which we're now learning has shown up in unprecedented levels in the Eaton Soot and Ash), but at least we are now armed with data.
I'm trying to think of constructive criticism, but I really just feel gratitude for Jeanine, Rebecca, and the whole team.
We're still going to have to fight to get the insurance to follow her recommendations so it's all still an ongoing nightmare. That said, the two moments of greatest relief I've felt since the fire were, first, when the M.A.R.S. team showed up at our house, and then later, when Jeannine sent our results. She's smart and talented, and I believe that she does this work because she genuinely cares about protecting people's health. She's a methodical hero :), a literal lifesaver!
I received appointment reminders via text and email. The tester/employee showed up on time and I received a results phone call within 24 hours. I know I'll receive the emailed results within another work day, but they were able to call and give me the peace of mind sooner rather than later.
If you're looking for a quick and professional company, I'd highly recommend MARS Environmental.
Certifications
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Certifications
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Certified in Colorado for methamphetamine testing & consulting
State-mandated testing meets all requirements under Colorado's 6 CCR 1014-3 (Cleanup of Methamphetamine-Affected Properties).
Work directly with CDPHE, county health departments, and local police departments.
Methamphetamine Testing FAQs
- The property was a rental
- There is evidence of smoking or unusual chemical storage (like Coleman fuel or Drano where they wouldn’t normally be)
- You’re purchasing a home without prior meth history disclosure
- Police activity has been reported at the property (This is public record – request this information before you buy.)
A: There is no legal obligation for buyers or sellers to test. However, if testing is done and contamination is discovered, state disclosure laws and property devaluation issues may apply. In Colorado, any home that tests positive for meth contamination must be reported, and it will be listed on the meth-affected properties list for five years post-remediation.
A: Yes. Levels must be below 0.5 ug/100cm², depending on the type of inspection and compliance regulations. Results will determine whether you move to mitigation or preliminary inspection. After mitigation, in order to pass clearance, levels must meet or exceed these numbers.
A: Yes. Even a single event can result in widespread contamination affecting multiple rooms and HVAC systems.
A: Pricing varies depending on property size and testing level, the number of samples, and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Notify state agencies (as required)
- Provide a verbal report and a written report with results and a detailed scope of work for remediation
- Coordinate contractor walk-throughs for mitigation proposals, per client’s request
A: Items like mattresses, couches, and carpets often cannot be safely and fully cleaned and may need to be discarded.
A: On-site sampling generally takes 1–3 hours depending on property size. Lab results follow within 3 business days.
If contamination is found, remediation can take months, depending on the extent of contamination. If lab results show high levels of contamination, cleaning may not be enough, and you’ll have to go down to the studs for full clearance, which is costly and time consuming.
A: We always test bathroom fans because bathrooms are a common place people smoke, thinking the fans will clear out contamination (they don’t). So we always test bathrooms, any place that looks as if it’s a common hangout place, and anywhere we notice unusual chemical storage. After that we choose other sampling locations based on inspection and state regulations (if it’s state-compliant testing).
Methamphetamine Testing in Colorado
- Anthem
- Arvada
- Boulder
- Brandywine
- Brighton
- Broadlands
- Broomfield Country Club
- Central Park/ Stapleton
- Commerce City
- Cotton Creek
- Country Estates
- Erie
- Five Points
- Golden
- Highland
- Jefferson Park
- Lafayette
- Legacy Ridge
- Longmont
- Louisville
- North Park
- McKay Landing
- Northglenn
- Reunion
- Sloans Lake
- Stratford Lakes
- Superior
- Thornton
- Westlake Village
- Westminster
- 115th and Kendall
